Family Start Whanau Support Worker

Waahi Whaanui Trust; Huntly; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Waahi Whaanui Trust in Huntly, Waikato, seeks a dedicated Family Start Whanau Support Worker to provide holistic support to families and whānau. You will develop individualized plans, conduct home visits, and connect families with local services to foster child development and wellbeing.

The role emphasizes cultural safety, collaboration with health and education networks, and ongoing professional development within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in social work, health, education, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with families, children, and vulnerable populations in community settings.
• Understanding of child development, family dynamics, and poverty/trauma impacts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse whānau.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of family needs and circumstances to develop individualized support plans.
• Provide regular home visits and community-based support to whānau, offering practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support.
• Work collaboratively with families to identify strengths, build resilience, and develop strategies for positive change.
• Connect whānau with appropriate services, resources, and community support networks, including health, education, and social services.
• Provide information and support around child development, parenting strategies, and family wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau based on trust, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
• Advocate on behalf of families to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of group programmes and community initiatives as required.

Skills

Family support experience

Strong communication

Cultural competency

Time management

Education

Formal qualification in social work or related field

Job description

About us

Waahi Whaanui Trust (Whaanui) is a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting families and whānau in the Waikato region. We are committed to delivering culturally appropriate services that strengthen family bonds, promote child wellbeing, and empower communities. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve by providing comprehensive support, advocacy, and resources that help whānau thrive.

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Family Start Whanau Support Worker to join our team at Whaanui in Raahui Pokeka / Huntly, Waikato. This is a full-time position based in our local community. As a Family Start Whanau Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing holistic support to families and whānau, helping them navigate challenges, access resources, and build stronger foundations for their children's development. You will work directly with whānau to identify their needs, develop support plans, and connect them with appropriate services and community resources. This role is essential in breaking cycles of disadvantage and fostering positive outcomes for children and families in our community.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of family needs and circumstances to develop individualized support plans
• Provide regular home visits and community-based support to whānau, offering practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support
• Work collaboratively with families to identify strengths, build resilience, and develop strategies for positive change
• Connect whānau with appropriate services, resources, and community support networks, including health, education, and social services
• Provide information and support around child development, parenting strategies, and family wellbeing
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and professional development activities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau based on trust, respect, and cultural sensitivity
• Advocate on behalf of families to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met
• Contribute to the development and delivery of group programmes and community initiatives as required

What we’re looking for

• Formal qualification in social work, health, education, community services, or a related field, or equivalent experience in family support work
• Demonstrated experience working with families, children, and vulnerable populations in a community or social services setting
• Strong understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the impacts of poverty, trauma, and disadvantage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse families and whānau
• Cultural competency and commitment to working respectfully with Māori whānau and communities
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a caseload whilst maintaining regular contact with families
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize workload effectively
• Resilience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach to family support work
• Proficiency with computer systems and ability to maintain accurate record-keeping and case documentation
• Valid New Zealand driver’s license and access to reliable transport for home visits and community engagement
• Current or willingness to obtain a Working with Children Check and Police Vetting clearance

Preferred experience includes previous work with Child, Youth and Family Services, knowledge of local community resources and support networks in the Waikato region, and experience delivering parenting programmes or group support initiatives.

What we offer

At Whaanui, we value our staff and are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. We offer competitive remuneration, ongoing professional development opportunities, and access to supervision and training to support your growth in this meaningful role. We recognize the emotional demands of family support work and provide robust support mechanisms, including regular supervision, counselling services, and team support. We foster a collaborative and culturally responsive workplace where your contribution is valued and your wellbeing is prioritized. We offer flexibility where possible to support work-life balance, and we are committed to creating an environment where all team members can thrive and do their best work for the whānau we serve.